Like many of you, I have watched the countless ice bucket challenges posted on various social media. I also watched a little video of the gentleman, Pete Frates that started this movement. It is heart breaking to see how ALS is robbing this man of his life. From a life he should be enjoying with his wife. From a future life with his unborn baby that is due in September. What is even more heart breaking is the countless others suffering in their own silence. Alessandro and I knew a gentleman that has since passed away from ALS. Like many other illnesses/diseases, ALS strips people of their dignity. To witness loved ones deteriorate before your very eyes is heart wrenching.
It is hard for some to comprehend that all illnesses/diseases stem from one sin. In the book of Romans chapter 5 verse 12 states: “That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned.”* When man was created, he was created perfect. There was no illness, no fear of getting sick, no fear of debilitating diseases, not even a fear of death. But after Adam sinned all this was lost.
I am aware there are many that are not religious/spiritual and that they doubt God’s existence or blame Him for our suffering. But I ask everyone for just a moment to continue reading, as there is a hope for everyone; a guarantee that is extended to all whether they listen or not. The bible..holy book…holy scriptures…whatever it is that you call it, offers many people comfort and hope now and for the future.
In the book of Isaiah chapter 33 verse 24 states: “And no resident (or inhabitant) will say: ‘I am sick.’” In the book of Revelation chapter 21 verses 3 to 5 state: “With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: ‘Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.’ And the One seated on the throne said: ‘Look! I am making all things new.’ Also he says: ‘Write, for these words are faithful and true.’”
For many the above are just words written in an outdated book. But are they really just words? When we look at the world today, can we honestly say that humans have been able to help or cure the world of the many problems? No! Even though there have been many advancements in medicine and science, many illnesses and diseases still plague mankind. Case in point malaria, TB, Ebola, cancer, the list goes on. Man can only offer “band-aid” solutions. As horrible as that sounds, it is a reality.
Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not against any organization that is trying their best to find cures to many diseases. I’m just trying to get a deeper message across. Society as a whole needs a cure. That can only come if we start to look at our world without our blinders on. This world is “lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) Until we all come to realize and believe this truth, there will never be a true cure for mankind. The wicked one aka the Devil, would like nothing more than to have you believe that God is the problem. That God is the cause of all pain and suffering. But is that the truth? Or is the Devil continuing to mislead us? Is he trying to divert attention away from himself and lay blame at God’s feet?
The bible says that “It is unthinkable for the true God to act wickedly, for the Almighty to do wrong!” (Job 34:10) So if God is not to blame, who is? As I already stated earlier, the Devil truly is to blame. Mind you “unexpected events overtake” (Eccl. 9:10) us all from time to time. But the majority of mankind’s problems stem from the Devil.
There is one more, of many promises, found in the bible that I’d like to share. It is found in Isaiah chapter 35 verses 5 and 6: “At that time the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. At that time the lame will leap like the deer, and the tongue of the speechless will shout for joy. For waters will burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert plains.”
Though I truly appreciate the movement and ice bucket challenges, I have a challenge or more a request, for everyone. Pick up your bible, read, study, meditate on what God has preserved for us. Dig deeper than the once a week set aside for God. I am sure within its pages you will find true comfort and hope for the future that is longer lasting than a fad movement.
Accept my request and click on the link provided and see why it is important to study the bible and why it is important to learn the truth found in the bible.
Why Study the Bible?
*All scriptures are taken from The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures 2013 Revision. Can be read online at jw.org or you can pick up a free copy at your local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
